JP7140445B2 - aerosol generator - Google Patents

Description

More particularly, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, prior to separating the cigarette, the container and the cigarette are moved in a direction opposite to the extraction direction of the cigarette, so that the separation of the cigarette and the heater is convenient. The present invention relates to an aerosol generator capable of discharging the residue together with the cigarette to the outside of the aerosol generator.

Recently, the aerosol-generating substances in cigarettes have been heated, and the demand for methods of generating aerosols has increased.

The aerosol generator includes a liquid nicotine vaporizer that vaporizes liquid tobacco, an aerosol generator that heats cigarettes and generates smoking gas by fumigation, and the like.

When using an aerosol generator equipped with a heater that uses electricity to heat cigarettes, separate the cigarettes that have generated smoking gas from the heater and dispose of them. A cigarette can be inserted into the aerosol generator.

Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1667124 relates to an aerosol generator that heats a cigarette to generate smoking gas, and assists the operation of inserting a cigarette into the aerosol generator and separating the cigarette from the aerosol generator. The structure of the holder will be explained.

When the user uses the aerosol generator having such a structure, the user inserts the cigarette into the holder that is extracted to the outside of the aerosol generator and pushes the holder and the cigarette into the aerosol generator when smoking. Later, after projecting the holder out of the aerosol generator, the cigarette is removed from the holder.

In an aerosol generating device using a holder having such a configuration, since the holder only performs the function of guiding the insertion and separation of the cigarette, the residue generated in the heated cigarette during smoking is reduced to aerosol. It remains in the interior space of the generator and in components such as the heater, making it difficult to keep the aerosol generator clean.

When the user separates the cigarette from the aerosol generator, the user holds the cigarette inserted in the holder and pulls the cigarette out of the holder to remove the cigarette. Tobacco components attached remain on the heater without being separated even during the user's operation to separate the cigarette. Tobacco constituents generated in the cigarette adhere to the contact surface between the cigarette and the heater, and the tobacco constituents adhering to the heater are condensed by the heat of the heater, and the adhesive force becomes even stronger. As the usage time elapses, the cleanliness of the heater and the inner space of the aerosol generator becomes poorer.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generation method and apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method. The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generator that facilitates separation of cigarettes.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol generator capable of removing substances adhering to the heater.

An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a case, a container provided inside the case so as to move along the longitudinal direction of the case and having a housing space for housing a cigarette, and a front end of the container. A heater is provided inside the case so as to be inserted into the housing space and heats the cigarette when electricity is applied, and an elastic support part is provided to elastically support the container with respect to the case.

The case can include guides that guide the container to move linearly.

The container may further comprise a through hole through which the front end of the heater passes.

The size of the through-hole corresponds to the thickness of the front end of the heater, and the through-hole contacts the heater during movement of the container so that the through-hole scrapes out material adhering to the surface of the heater. can.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a coating layer comprising an abrasion resistant material on the surface of the front end of the heater.

Since the size of the through hole is larger than that of the front end of the heater, the inner surface of the through hole is separated from the front end of the heater as well.

The aerosol generating device can further comprise a fixing part coupled to the rear end of the heater to fix the position of the heater with respect to the case, and the elastic support part is also between the fixing part and the container. placed.

The container may further comprise an expanded portion having an inner diameter expanded outward at one end, the case being inserted between the inner wall surface of the expanded portion of the container and the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette, and It may comprise an insert extending linearly along the direction of movement of the.

The container may further comprise support claws formed on the outside of the extension on a surface facing the fixed part, the resilient support being also arranged between the support claws and the fixed part.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a stopper disposed between the container and the case to provide an opposing resistance to movement of the container.

An aerosol generating system according to an embodiment of another aspect includes a holder for generating an aerosol by heating a cigarette; After being inserted into the space, it is tilted to generate the aerosol.

A cigarette inserted into a holder according to an embodiment according to yet another aspect includes a tobacco rod including a plurality of tobacco fibers, a first filter segment including a hollow, a cooling structure for cooling the generated aerosol, a first 2 filter segments.

In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment as described above, before the cigarette is separated, the cigarette and the container are moved in a direction opposite to the extracting direction of the cigarette, thereby facilitating the contact surface between the cigarette and the heater. separated into

In addition, while the container and the cigarette are moving, the heater is maintained in a fixed state. Since the residual matter is separated from the heater, the residual matter can be easily discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator.

1 is a perspective view exemplarily illustrating an operating state of an aerosol generator according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a cigarette is attached to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operating state for separating cigarettes of the aerosol generator of FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operating state in which cigarettes are separated in the aerosol generator of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operating state of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6; It is a block diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generator. Figures 3A-3D illustrate various aspects of an example holder; Figures 3A-3D illustrate various aspects of an example holder; 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a cradle; FIG. Figures 4A-4D illustrate various aspects of an example cradle; Figures 4A-4D illustrate various aspects of an example cradle; FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted while being inserted into the cradle; FIG. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle; FIG. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a holder is inserted into a cradle; FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an example of operations of the holder and the cradle; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of how the holder operates; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of how the cradle operates; It is drawing which illustrated an example in which the cigarette was inserted in the holder. It is a lineblock diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette. It is a lineblock diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette cooling structure; 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette cooling structure; 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette cooling structure; 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette cooling structure; 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette cooling structure; 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cigarette cooling structure;

The terms used in the present embodiment were selected as general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but it may differ from the intention of those skilled in the art, judicial precedents, or new It also depends on the advent of technology. Also, in certain cases, some terms are arbitrarily chosen by the applicant, and their meanings are set forth in detail in the description portion of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the general content of the present invention rather than simple term names.

Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, it does not exclude other components, but may further include other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary. means that In addition, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which is embodied by hardware or software, or It can also be embodied by a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view exemplarily illustrating an operating state of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cigarette attached to the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which illustrated a state.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a case 10 and a housing space 20v provided inside the case 10 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the case 10 and housing a cigarette 7. a heater 30 arranged inside the case 10 to heat the cigarette 7 so that the front end 31 is inserted into the housing space 20v of the container 20; and an elastic support portion 40 for substantially supporting.

The case 10 forms the appearance of the aerosol generator, and functions to house and protect various components in an internal space 10v formed therein. The case 10 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an empty interior, and has an opening 10i at its front end that is open to the outside and into which the cigarette 7 is inserted. The case 10 is also made of a plastic material that does not transmit electricity and heat, or a metallic material whose surface is coated with a plastic material.

A container 20 is provided inside the case 10 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the case 10 . The cigarette 7 is also manufactured in a cylindrical shape, and the container 20 and the case 10 also correspond to the shape of the cigarette 7 and extend along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 7 .

The container 20 is made in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior, and has an opening at the front end so that the cigarette 7 can be inserted and a rear end through which the front end 31 of the heater 30 passes. and a housing space 20v for housing the cigarette 7 therein.

The container 20 accommodates and supports the cigarette 7 while being housed inside the case 10 , and functions to move along the longitudinal direction of the case 10 together with the cigarette 7 . Therefore, the container 20 is not separated outside the case 10 .

A heater 30 that heats the cigarette 7 is arranged inside the case 10 . The front end 31 of the heater 30 is inserted into the container 20 through the through hole 20 r of the container 20 . inserted into the part.

The size of the through hole 20 r of the container 20 corresponds to the thickness of the front end 31 of the heater 30 . For example, if the front end 31 of the heater 30 has a circular cross-section, the through hole 20r also has a circular cross-sectional shape and the inner diameter of the through hole 20r corresponds to the outer diameter of the front end 31 of the heater 30. is formed as Accordingly, the inner surface of the through hole 20r remains in contact with the outer surface of the front end 31 of the heater 30. As shown in FIG.

Thus, while the container 20 is moving, the through holes 20r can perform the function of scraping off material adhering to the outer surface of the front end 31 of the heater 30. FIG. Since the through hole 20r of the container 20 and the front end portion 31 of the heater 30 are in contact with each other and relatively moved repeatedly, the surface of the front end portion 31 of the heater 30 is coated with an abrasion resistant material. A coating layer is formed. For example, the coating layer may include materials such as metals, alloys, ceramics, plastics, glass.

This embodiment is not limited by the configuration in which the inner surface of the through hole 20r contacts the outer surface of the front end portion 31 of the heater 30, as described above. For example, the size of the through hole 20r is formed to be larger than the size of the front end 31 of the heater 30, so that the inner surface of the through hole 20r is separated from the outer surface of the front end 31 of the heater 30 as well. .

A rear end portion 32 of the heater 30 is electrically connected through an electric wiring 71 to an electric supply device 72 arranged at the rear of the case 10 . A base 19 surrounding the power supply device 72 is connected to the rear end of the case 10 . When electricity from the electricity supply device 72 is supplied to the heater 30 while the cigarette 7 is inserted into the front end portion 31 of the heater 30 , the heater 30 is heated, thereby heating the cigarette 7 .

FIG. 2 illustrates the cigarette 7 attached to the aerosol generator. In order for the aerosol generator to perform the tobacco smoke generating function, the cigarette 7 is inserted into the rear end of the container 20 to the position of the through hole 20r, as shown in FIG. The total length of the heater 30 is approximately 25 mm, and the length of the portion of the front end 31 of the heater 30 inserted into the cigarette 7 is approximately 12 mm. In such a state, the front end 31 of the heater 30 is inserted into the rear end of the cigarette 7, so that when electricity is supplied to the heater 30, the heater 30 heats the cigarette 7 and smokes. can be generated.

The case 10 includes a fixing portion 50 coupled to the rear end portion 32 of the heater 30 to fix the position of the heater 30 with respect to the case 10 . The fixed part 50 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an open upper end and an empty interior, and has a space 50v for accommodating the container 20 therein. The fixed part 50 has a hole 50r at its rear end into which the front end 31 of the heater 30 is inserted.

A front end portion 31 of the heater 30 passes through the hole 50 r of the fixed portion 50 . The heater 30 has a flange 30p protruding from the outer surface. By fixing the flange 30p to the fixing portion 50, the position of the heater 30 with respect to the case 10 is fixed.

The elastic support part 40 is disposed between the fixing part 50 and the container 20 to perform the function of elastically supporting the container 20 with respect to the case 10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic support part 40 is implemented by a cylindrical compression coil spring, but the present embodiment is not limited to the example of the elastic support part 40 . For example, the elastic support part 40 may be implemented by a compression cylinder using liquid or gas, rubber, or the like.

The container 20 has an extension 20f extending outward at one end. The inner diameter of the expanded portion 20f is formed larger than the outer diameter of the cigarette 7. As shown in FIG. The case 10 includes an insertion portion 10s that is inserted between the inner wall surface 20w of the expanded portion 20f of the container 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette 7 and linearly extends along the movement direction of the container 20. As shown in FIG. That is, in a state in which the expanded portion 20f of the container 20 is inserted into the guide space 10g formed between the expanded portion 20f of the case 10 and the inner wall surface 20w of the case 10, the container 20 moves along the longitudinal direction of the case 10. can move in a straight line along the

The container 20 has support claws 29 formed on the surface facing the fixed portion 50 on the outside of the extended portion 20f. One end 40 f of the elastic support portion 40 is supported by the support claws 29 of the container 20 , and the other end 40 r is supported by the fixed portion 50 .

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operating state for separating cigarettes of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operating state of separating cigarettes from the aerosol generating device of FIG. is.

After the user has used the aerosol generator, the cigarette 7 must be removed from the aerosol generator. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate in sequence the operating conditions for separating the cigarette from the aerosol generating device.

FIG. 3 shows the operating state in which the user pressurizes the cigarette 7 in order to remove it from the aerosol generating device. When the user presses the cigarette 7 to separate it from the aerosol generating device, the container 20, together with the cigarette 7, presses against the elastic support 40 and pulls out as shown in FIG. move to the pressurized position by moving linearly towards . While the cigarette 7 and the container 20 are pressurized, the heater 30 remains fixed to the fixing portion 50, so the position of the heater 30 with respect to the case 10 remains unchanged.

While the cigarette 7 is heated by the heater 30 , tobacco substances (residues) generated in the cigarette 7 condense and adhere to the contact surface between the heater 30 and the cigarette 7 . The pressurized cigarette 7 and container 20 undergo linear motion, and the heater 30 maintains its position while the cigarette 7 and container 20 move to the pressurized position, as shown in FIG. do. The container 20 moves about 5 mm by moving to the pressurized position. Such an operation facilitates separation of the contact surfaces of the cigarette 7 and the heater 30, which remain attached to each other, due to the tobacco material adhering to the contact surfaces of the cigarette 7 and the heater 30. As shown in FIG.

If the user does not pressurize the cigarette 7 and the container 20 in the state illustrated in FIG. moves forward linearly, moving the container 20 to its original position, the initial position, as shown in FIG. After that, the user takes the cigarette 7 and extracts it to the outside of the housing space 20v of the container 20, so that the used cigarette 7 can be completely separated from the container 20 of the aerosol generating device.

In conventional aerosol generators, when the cigarette is separated from the aerosol generator, the user simply extracts the cigarette from the aerosol generator. There are many.

However, in the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, before separating the cigarette 7 from the aerosol generating device, the cigarette 7 and the container 20 are first placed in a pressurized position, that is, as shown in FIG. The container 20 can be moved to a downwardly moved position so as to press the elastic support 40 to the end.

By maintaining the fixed state of the heater 30 while the container 20 and the cigarette 7 are moved to the pressurized position, the position of the heater 30 with respect to the case 10 does not change, so that the heater 30 stuck by the tobacco substance is removed. The contact surface with the cigarette 7 is easily separated.

Further, the container 20 and the cigarette 7 move to the pressurized position shown in FIG. 3, and the container 20 and the cigarette 7 moved to the pressurized position move to the initial position shown in FIG. This action causes the tobacco material that has adhered to the surface of the heater 30 to separate from the heater 30 . That is, while the container 20 and the cigarette 7 reach the pressurized position shown in FIG. When the container 20 pressurized by the portion 40 moves further to the initial position shown in FIG. Vibration is transmitted between the contact surface of the surface and the cigarette 7, and the residue adhering to the surface of the heater 30 is separated from the surface of the heater 30. FIG.

Through the aforementioned actuation the heater 30 is first separated from the cigarette 7 and then attached to the cigarette 7 with the cigarette 7 as the user can pick up the cigarette 7 and separate the cigarette 7 from the aerosol generator. Residue can be easily discharged out of the aerosol generator.

Although FIG. 3 shows the action of removing a cigarette 7 from the aerosol generating device, when a new cigarette 7 is installed in the aerosol generating device, a similar operating condition to that illustrated in FIG. 3 will also occur. In order to attach a new cigarette 7 to the aerosol generating device, the user inserts the cigarette 7 into the empty housing space 20v of the container 20 and pressurizes the cigarette 7, so that the container 20 is elastically supported together with the cigarette 7. The part 40 is pressurized and moved backward.

Without the elastic support 40 for supporting the container 20, the user pressurizing the cigarette 7 would not be able to know whether the cigarette 7 was completely inserted into the container 20. The cigarette 7 is continuously pressurized with force.

However, in the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, while the user pressurizes the cigarette 7, the container 20 moving along the case 10 is resisted by the elastic support portion 40. FIG. Therefore, the user knows that the cigarette 7 has been completely inserted into the container 20 by feeling the resistance transmitted from the container 20 and the cigarette 7 .

When the user who has pressurized the container 20 and the cigarette 7 releases the cigarette 7, the cigarette 7 and the container 20 move linearly upward, and as shown in FIG. moves to the initial position. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the heater 30 heats the cigarette 7 to generate tobacco smoke.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generator according to another embodiment.

The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 120 and a heater 130 that heats the cigarette 7 and the container 120 is elastically attached to the case 110. and an elastic support portion 140 for supporting.

The case 110 forms the appearance of the aerosol generator, and functions to house and protect various components in an internal space 110v formed therein. The case 110 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an empty interior, and has an opening 110i at its front end that is open to the outside and into which the cigarette 7 is inserted. The case 110 is also made of a plastic material that does not conduct electricity and heat, or a metallic material whose surface is coated with a plastic material.

A container 120 is provided inside the case 110 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the case 110 . The cigarette 7 is also manufactured in a cylindrical shape, and the container 120 and the case 110 also correspond to the shape of the cigarette 7 and extend along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 7 .

The container 120 is made in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior, and has an opening at the front end so that the cigarette 7 can be inserted, and a front end 131 of the heater 130 at the rear end. and a housing space 120v for housing the cigarette 7 therein.

The container 120 accommodates and supports the cigarette 7 while being accommodated inside the case 110 , and functions to move along the longitudinal direction of the case 110 together with the cigarette 7 . Therefore, the container 120 is not separated outside the case 110 .

A heater 130 that heats the cigarette 7 is disposed inside the case 110 . The front end 131 of the heater 130 is inserted into the container 120 through the through hole 120 r of the container 120 , and when the cigarette 7 is accommodated in the container 120 , the front end 131 of the heater 130 is inserted into the cigarette 7 . It is inserted in the rear end.

A rear end portion 132 of the heater 130 is electrically connected to an electric supply device 72 arranged behind the case 110 via an electric wiring 71 . When electricity from the electricity supply device 72 is supplied to the heater 130 while the cigarette 7 is inserted into the front end portion 131 of the heater 130 , the heater 130 is heated, thereby heating the cigarette 7 .

The case 110 includes a fixing portion 150 coupled to the rear end portion 132 of the heater 130 to fix the position of the heater 130 with respect to the case 110 . The fixed part 150 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an open upper end and an empty interior, and has a space 150v for accommodating the container 120 therein. The fixed part 150 has a hole 150r at its rear end into which the front end 131 of the heater 130 is inserted.

A front end portion 131 of the heater 130 passes through a hole 150 r of the fixing portion 150 . The heater 130 has a flange protruding from the outer surface. By fixing the flange to the fixing portion 150 , the position of the heater 130 with respect to the case 110 is fixed.

The elastic support part 140 is disposed between the fixing part 150 and the container 120 to elastically support the container 120 with respect to the case 110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic support part 140 is implemented by a compression coil spring having a conical or trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, but the present embodiment is not limited to the example of the elastic support part 140. For example, the elastic support part 140 may be implemented by a compression cylinder using liquid or gas, rubber, or the like.

The container 120 has an extension 120f extending outward at one end. The inner diameter of the expanded portion 120f is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the cigarette 7 . The case 110 includes an insertion portion 110s that is inserted between the inner wall surface 120w of the extension portion 120f of the container 120 and the outer peripheral surface of the cigarette 7 and linearly extends along the moving direction of the container 120. As shown in FIG. That is, in a state in which the expanded portion 120f of the container 120 is inserted into the guide space 110g formed between the expanded portion 120f of the case 110 and the inner wall surface 120w of the case 110, the container 120 moves along the longitudinal direction of the case 110. can move in a straight line along the

One end 140 f of the elastic support portion 140 is supported by the lower surface of the container 120 , and the other end 140 r is supported by the fixing portion 150 .

6 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an operating state of the aerosol generator according to the embodiment shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the. 6 and 7 are enlarged views of the portion indicated by F in FIG.

The aerosol generating device includes a stopper positioned between the container 120 and the case 110 to provide an opposing resistance to movement of the container 120 . The stopper comprises a moving protrusion 129t protruding from the outer surface of the container 120 and a fixed protrusion 119t protruding from the inner surface of the case 110 .

When the user presses the container 120 downward, the moving protrusion 129t of the container 120 moves downward together with the container 120, as shown in FIG. approach.

When the user continues to pressurize the container 120, the moving projections 129t of the container 120 are inserted between the fixed projections 119t of the case 110, as shown in FIG. Movement of the container 120 is restricted by the coupling action with the protrusion 119t.

When the moving protrusion 129t and the fixing protrusion 119t are formed to be large in size, the force with which the two fixing protrusions 119t fix the moving protrusion 129t is set to be greater than the pressing force of the elastic support portion 140. may perform the function of maintaining container 120 in the pressurized position illustrated in FIG. In such a case, in order to move the container 120 upward from the pressurized position illustrated in FIG. 7, the user must apply force to the container 120 to release the coupling between the moving projection 129t and the fixed projection 119t. not. When the moving protrusion 129t is removed from the fixed protrusion 119t, the container 120 moves upward due to the restoring force of the elastic support portion 140. As shown in FIG.

When the moving protrusion 129t and the fixing protrusion 119t are formed to be large in size, the force with which the two fixing protrusions 119t fix the moving protrusion 129t is set to be smaller than the pressing force of the elastic support portion 140. cannot perform the function of maintaining the container 120 in the pressurized position shown in FIG. do. That is, when the container 120 reaches the pressurized position shown in FIG. 7 and the moving protrusion 129t is inserted between the two fixed protrusions 119t, the user's hand pressing the container 120 feels a sense of resistance. The user will know that the container 120 is sufficiently pressurized.

Although two fixing protrusions 119t are illustrated in the above embodiment, the present embodiment is not limited by the number, shape, or size of such fixing protrusions 119t. For example, although only one fixing protrusion 119t is provided, the size of the moving protrusion 129t and the fixing protrusion 119t are formed sufficiently large so that the moving protrusion 129t cannot pass through the fixing protrusion 119t. 129t and locking projection 119t may perform the function of limiting the linear motion of container 120 such that container 120 cannot move further past the pressurized position.

The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 20A to 20F below are modified aerosol generators and aerosol generation methods applied to the aerosol generators according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 above. and are illustrated.

The numbers designating components in FIGS. 8-20A-20F have been used independently without reference to the numbers used in FIGS. 1-7. Accordingly, the numbers identifying components in FIGS. 1-7 and the numbers identifying components in FIGS. 8-20A-20F are used independently of each other to indicate different components. must be understood.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of an aerosol generator.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol generator 1 (hereinafter referred to as holder) includes a battery 110, a controller 120 and a heater . The holder 1 also includes an internal space formed by the case 140 . A cigarette is inserted into the internal space of the holder 1 .

In the holder 1 illustrated in FIG. 8, only the components related to this embodiment are illustrated. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that other general-purpose components may be further included in the holder 1 in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. would be able to

The holder 1 heats the heater 130 when the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1 . The aerosol-generating substance within the cigarette is raised in temperature by the heated heater 130, thereby generating an aerosol. The generated aerosol is transmitted to the user through the filter of the cigarette. However, the holder 1 can heat the heater 130 even when the cigarette is not inserted into the holder 1 .

Case 140 is separated from holder 1 . For example, the case 140 is separated from the holder 1 by the user turning the case 140 clockwise or counterclockwise.

In addition, the diameter of the hole formed by the end 141 of the case 140 is made smaller than the diameter of the space formed by the case 140 and the heater 130, and in this case, the cigarette inserted into the holder 1 is guided. be able to.

A battery 110 supplies the power used to operate the holder 1 . For example, the battery 110 can supply power to heat the heater 130 and supply power necessary for the controller 120 to operate. In addition, the battery 110 can supply power necessary for operating the display, sensor, motor, etc. provided in the holder 1 .

Battery 110 may also be a lithium iron phosphate ( _LiFePO4 ) battery, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the battery 110 corresponds to a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO ₂ ) battery, a lithium titanate battery, or the like.

Also, the battery 110 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 10 mm and a length of 37 mm, but is not limited thereto. The capacity of the battery 110 is also greater than 120mAh and is either a rechargeable battery or a single use battery. For example, when the battery 110 is rechargeable, the charging rate (C-rate) of the battery 110 is 10C, and the discharging rate (C-rate) is 16C to 20C, but not limited thereto. . In addition, for stable use, the battery 110 is manufactured to maintain 80% or more of the total capacity even after being charged and discharged 8,000 times.

Here, whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged is also determined according to the level of the power stored in the battery 110 relative to the total capacity of the battery 110 . For example, when the power stored in the battery 110 is 95% or more of the total capacity, it is determined that the battery 110 is fully charged. Also, when the power stored in the battery 110 is less than 10% of the total capacity, it is determined that the battery 110 is completely discharged. However, the criterion for determining whether the battery 110 is fully charged or fully discharged is not limited to the above example.

Heater 130 is heated by power supplied from battery 110 . When the cigarette is inserted into the holder 1, the heater 130 is located inside the cigarette. The heated heater 130 thus increases the temperature of the aerosol-forming material within the cigarette.

Heater 130 also has a shape that is a combination of a cylinder and a cone. For example, the heater 130 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 2 mm and a length of about 23 mm, and the distal end 2131 of the heater 130 is finished with an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the heater 130 is applicable without limitation as long as it is inserted into the cigarette. The heater 130 may also be partially heated. For example, assuming the length of heater 130 is 23 mm, only 12 mm from the end 131 of heater 130 is heated, and the rest of heater 130 is not heated.

Heater 130 is also an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater 130 includes electrically conductive tracks through which current is passed to heat the heater 130 .

For stable use, the heater 130 is supplied with power according to the standards of 3.2V, 2.4A, 8W, but not limited thereto. For example, when power is supplied to the heater 130, the surface temperature of the heater 130 rises to 400° C. or higher. The surface temperature of the heater 130 rises to approximately 350° C. before 15 seconds have passed since the power supply to the heater 130 began.

The holder 1 is provided with a separate temperature sensor. Alternatively, the heater 130 may function as the temperature sensor without the holder 1 having the temperature sensor. For example, the heater 130 may further include a second electrically conductive track for temperature sensing in addition to the first electrically conductive track for heat generation.

For example, if the voltage across the second electrically conductive track and the current flowing in the second electrically conductive track are measured, the resistance (R) is determined. At this time, the temperature (T) of the second electrically conductive track is determined by Equation 1 below.

In Equation 1, R means the current resistance value of the second conductive track, R ₀ means the resistance value at temperature T ₀ (eg, 0° C.), and α is the second conductive track. means the temperature coefficient of resistance of the track. Conductive materials (eg, metals) have an inherent temperature coefficient of resistance, but α is predetermined by the conductive materials that make up the second electrically conductive tracks. Therefore, when the resistance (R) of the second electrically conductive track is determined, the temperature (T) of the second electrically conductive track is calculated according to Equation 1 above.

The heater 130 is also constituted by at least one electrically conductive track (a first electrically conductive track and a second electrically conductive track). For example, heater 130 may also be configured with two first electrically conductive tracks and one or two second electrically conductive tracks, but is not limited thereto.

The electrically conductive track includes an electrically resistive material. As an example, the electrically conductive tracks are also made by a metallic material. As another example, the electrically conductive tracks are also made of electrically conductive ceramic material, carbon, metal alloys, or composites of ceramic materials and metals.

Also, the holder 1 may include both an electrically conductive track and a temperature sensor that act as a temperature sensor.

The control unit 120 generally controls the operation of the holder 1 . Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of not only the battery 110 and the heater 130 but also other components included in the holder 1 . Also, the control unit 120 can check the state of each configuration of the holder 1 and determine whether the holder 1 is in an operable state.

Control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may also be embodied by an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executed by the microprocessor are stored. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiments pertain that they may be embodied by other forms of hardware.

For example, the controller 120 can control the operation of the heater 130 . The controller 120 can control the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time during which the power is supplied so that the heater 130 is heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature. Also, the control unit 120 can check the state of the battery 110 (for example, the remaining amount of the battery 110) and generate a notification signal if necessary.

In addition, the control unit 120 can check the presence or absence of the user's puff and the strength of the puff, and can count the number of puffs. Also, the control unit 120 can continuously check the time during which the holder 1 is operating. Also, the control unit 120 can confirm whether the cradle 2 is connected to the holder 1 or not, and can control the operation of the holder 1 by connecting or disconnecting the cradle 2 and the holder 1 .

Meanwhile, the holder 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 110 , the controller 120 and the heater 130 .

For example, the holder 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information or a motor for outputting tactile information. As an example, when the holder 1 includes a display, the control unit 120 provides the user with information on the state of the holder 1 (for example, whether the holder can be used), information on the heater 130 (for example, preheating start, preheating progress, preheating completion, etc.), information related to the battery 110 (for example, the remaining capacity of the battery 110, whether it can be used, etc.), information related to resetting the holder 1 (for example, reset time, reset progress, reset completion, etc.) ), information related to cleaning the holder 1 (e.g., cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning progress, cleaning completed, etc.), information related to charging of the holder 1 (e.g., charging required, charging progress, charging complete, etc.), and information related to the puff. Information (eg, number of puffs, notice of end of puffing, etc.) or information related to safety (eg, elapsed time of use, etc.) can be transmitted. As another example, if the holder 1 includes a motor, the controller 120 can use the motor to generate a vibration signal to convey the above information to the user.

The holder 1 may also include at least one input device (eg, buttons) by which the user can control the functionality of the holder 1 and/or terminals coupled with the cradle 2 . For example, a user can use the input device of the holder 1 to perform various functions. Multiple functions of the holder 1 by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (e.g. 1 time, 2 times, etc.) or the time the input device is pressed (e.g. 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.) can execute the desired function. When the user operates the input device, the holder 1 has a function of preheating the heater 130, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130, a function of cleaning the space into which the cigarette is inserted, and the holder 1 being in an operable state. A function to check whether or not the battery 110 remains (available power), a function to reset the holder 1, and the like are performed. However, the functions of the holder 1 are not limited to the examples described above.

The holder 1 may also include a puff sensor, a temperature sensor and/or a cigarette insertion sensor. For example, the puff sensing sensor can also be embodied by a common pressure sensor, and the cigarette insertion sensing sensor can also be embodied by a common capacitive or resistive sensor. In addition, the holder 1 is also manufactured to have a structure in which external air flows in and out even when the cigarette is inserted.

9A and 9B are various side views of an exemplary holder.

FIG. 9A is a drawing showing an example of the holder 1 viewed from the first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the holder 1 is also made cylindrical, but is not limited to this. Case 140 of holder 1 is also separated by a user's action, and a cigarette is inserted into end 141 of case 140 . The holder 1 also includes a button 150 with which the user can control the holder 1 and a display 2160 on which an image is output.

FIG. 9B is a drawing illustrating an example of the holder 1 viewed from the second direction. Holder 1 may include terminals 170 that are coupled with cradle 2 . By connecting the terminal 170 of the holder 1 to the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 , the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged with power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 . Further, the holder 1 can be operated by power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 via the terminals 170 and 260, and communication (transmission and reception of signals) between the holder 1 and the cradle 2 is possible. be. For example, terminal 170 may be configured with four micropins, but is not so limited.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a cradle.

Referring to FIG. 10, cradle 2 includes battery 210 and controller 220 . Cradle 2 also includes an interior space 230 into which holder 1 is inserted. For example, the inner space 230 is also formed on one side of the cradle 2 . Therefore, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate lid, the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and fixed.

The cradle 2 shown in FIG. 10 shows only the components related to this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that the cradle 2 may further include other general-purpose components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. could be

A battery 210 provides the power utilized to operate the cradle 2 . Also, the battery 210 can supply power for charging the battery 110 of the holder 1 . For example, when holder 1 is inserted into cradle 2 and terminals 170 of holder 1 and terminals 260 of cradle 2 mate, battery 210 of cradle 2 can power battery 110 of holder 1 .

Also, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the battery 210 can supply the power used to operate the holder 1 . For example, if the terminal 170 of the holder 1 and the terminal 260 of the cradle 2 are connected, the holder 1 is supplied with the battery 210 of the cradle 2 regardless of whether the battery 110 of the holder 1 is discharged or not. It can operate using electricity.

Examples of the battery 210 types are the same as the examples of the battery 110 described with reference to FIG. Battery 210 has a capacity of 3,000 mAh or more. However, the capacity of battery 210 is not limited to the above example.

The control unit 220 generally controls the operation of the cradle 2 . The controller 220 can control the operation of all components of the cradle 2 . Also, the controller 220 can determine whether the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled or not, and can control the operation of the cradle 2 by coupling or separating the cradle 2 and the holder 1 .

For example, when the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are coupled, the control unit 220 can charge the battery 110 and heat the heater 130 by supplying power from the battery 210 to the holder 1 . Therefore, even when the remaining amount of the battery 110 is low, the user can connect the holder 1 and the cradle 2 and smoke continuously.

Control unit 120 includes at least one processor. The processor may also be embodied by an array of multiple logic gates, and may also be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executed by the microprocessor are stored. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiments pertain that they may be embodied by other forms of hardware.

On the other hand, the cradle 2 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 210 and the controller 220 . For example, cradle 2 may include a display capable of outputting visual information. For example, if the cradle 2 includes a display, the control unit 220 provides the user with information related to the battery 210 (for example, remaining capacity of the battery 210, availability of use, etc.) by generating a signal displayed on the display. , information related to resetting of the cradle 2 (eg, reset time, reset progress, reset completion, etc.), information related to cleaning of the holder 1 (eg, cleaning time, cleaning required, cleaning progress, cleaning completion, etc.), charging of the cradle 2 (For example, charging required, charging progress, charging completion, etc.) can be transmitted.

The cradle 2 also includes at least one input device (e.g. buttons) with which the user can control the functions of the cradle 2, a terminal 260 that couples with the holder 1, and/or an interface for charging the battery 210 (e.g. , USB ports, etc.).

For example, a user can utilize the input devices of cradle 2 to perform a variety of functions. By adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device or the length of time the user presses the input device, desired functions among the multiple functions of the cradle 2 can be performed. When the user operates the input device, the cradle 2 has a function of preheating the heater 130 of the holder 1, a function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 130 of the holder 1, and a function of cleaning the space in the holder 1 into which the cigarette is inserted. , a function of checking whether the cradle 2 is operable, a function of displaying the remaining amount (available power) of the battery 210 of the cradle 2, a function of resetting the cradle 2, and the like. However, the functionality of the cradle 2 is not limited to the examples described above.

11A and 11B are various views of an exemplary cradle.

FIG. 11A is a drawing illustrating an example of the cradle 2 viewed from the first direction. One side of the cradle 2 has a space 230 into which the holder 1 is inserted. Also, even if the cradle 2 does not include a separate fixing means such as a lid, the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 and fixed. The cradle 2 also includes buttons 240 that allow the user to control the cradle 2, and a display 250 on which images are output.

FIG. 11B is a drawing showing an example of the cradle 2 viewed from the second direction. The cradle 2 may include terminals 260 that are coupled with the inserted holder 1 . By coupling the terminal 260 with the terminal 170 of the holder 1 , the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged with power supplied by the battery 210 of the cradle 2 . Moreover, the holder 1 can be operated by power supplied from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 via the terminals 170 and 260, and signals can be transmitted and received between the holder 1 and the cradle 2. FIG. For example, terminal 260 may be configured with four micropins, but is not so limited.

The holder 1 is inserted into the inner space 230 of the cradle 2 as described with reference to FIGS. 8-11B. Moreover, the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2 and is tilted even when it is inserted into the cradle 2 . An example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 14B.

FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating an example of inserting the holder into the cradle.

Referring to FIG. 12, an example in which the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 is illustrated. Since the space 230 into which the holder 1 is inserted exists on one side of the cradle 2 , the inserted holder 1 is not exposed to the outside by the other side of the cradle 2 . Therefore, the cradle 2 does not need to include any other structure (for example, a lid) to prevent the holder 1 from being exposed to the outside.

The cradle 2 also includes at least one binding member 271 , 272 to increase the strength of binding with the holder 1 . The holder 1 also includes at least one binding member 181 . Here, the binding members 181, 271, 272 can also be magnets, but are not limited to this. 12 shows that the holder 1 includes one binding member 181 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 271 and 272 for convenience of explanation. The numbers of 271 and 272 are not so limited.

The holder 1 may include a binding member 181 in the first position, and the cradle 2 may include binding members 271 and 272 in the second and third positions, respectively. The first position and the third position are then also the positions facing each other when the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 .

Since the binding members 181, 271 and 272 are included in the holder 1 and the cradle 2, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are further strongly connected even if the holder 1 is inserted into one side of the cradle 2. FIG. In other words, the holder 1 and the cradle 2 further include the binding members 181, 271, 272 in addition to the terminals 170, 260, so that the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are bound more strongly. Therefore, the inserted holder 1 is not easily separated from the cradle 2 even if the cradle 2 does not have a separate structure (for example, a lid).

Further, when it is determined by the terminals 170, 260 and/or the binding members 181, 271, 272 that the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the controller 220 uses the power of the battery 210 to of batteries 110 can be charged.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the holder is tilted while being inserted into the cradle.

Referring to FIG. 13, holder 1 is tilted inside cradle 2 . Here, the tilt means that the holder 1 is tilted by a certain angle from the state in which it is inserted into the cradle 2 .

When the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2, as illustrated in Figure 12, the user cannot smoke. In other words, if the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, no cigarette will be inserted into the holder 1. Therefore, when the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the user cannot smoke.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the holder 1 is tilted, the end 141 of the holder 1 is exposed to the outside. Accordingly, a user can insert a cigarette into distal end 141 and inhale (smoke) the generated aerosol. A sufficient tilt angle θ is ensured so that the cigarette is not broken or damaged when the cigarette is inserted into the end 141 of the holder 1 . For example, the holder 1 may be tilted to a minimum angle or greater than the minimum angle at which the entire cigarette insertion hole included in the end 141 is exposed to the outside. For example, the tilt angle θ ranges from 0° to 180°, preferably from 10° to 90°. More preferably, the tilt angle θ ranges from 10° to 20°, from 10° to 30°, from 10° to 40°, from 10° to 50°, or from 10° to 60°.

Moreover, even if the holder 1 is tilted, the terminals 170 of the holder 1 and the terminals 260 of the cradle 2 are connected to each other. Therefore, the heater 130 of holder 1 is also heated by the power supplied by the battery 210 of cradle 2 . Therefore, the holder 1 can use the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to generate aerosol even when the battery 110 of the holder 1 has little or no remaining power.

FIG. 13 shows an example in which the holder 1 includes one binding member 182 and the cradle 2 includes two binding members 273,274. For example, the positions of the binding members 182, 273, 274 are as described with reference to FIG. If binding members 182 , 273 , and 274 are assumed to be magnets, the magnetic strength of binding member 274 will be greater than the magnetic strength of binding member 273 . Therefore, even if the holder 1 is tilted, the binding member 182 and the binding member 274 prevent the holder 1 from being completely separated from the cradle 2 .

Further, when it is determined that the holder 1 is tilted by the terminals 170, 260 and/or the binding members 182, 273, 274, the controller 220 uses the power of the battery 210 to heat the heater 130 of the holder 1. or charge the battery 110 .

14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the holder is inserted into the cradle.

FIG. 14A shows an example in which the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2. FIG. The inner space 230 of the cradle 2 is also made sufficiently reserved to minimize the user's contact with the holder 1 when the holder 1 is fully inserted into the cradle 2 . When the holder 1 is completely inserted into the cradle 2, the controller 220 supplies power of the battery 210 to the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged.

FIG. 14B shows an example in which the holder 1 is tilted while being inserted into the cradle 2 . When the holder 1 is tilted, the control unit 220 supplies power from the battery 210 to the holder 1 so that the battery 110 of the holder 1 is charged or the heater 130 of the holder 1 is heated.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an example of how the holder and cradle operate.

The method for generating an aerosol illustrated in FIG. 15 consists of stages processed in chronological order in the holder 1 illustrated in FIG. 8 or the cradle 2 illustrated in FIG. Therefore, even if omitted below, what has been said above for the holder 1 shown in FIG. 8 and the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 10 also applies to the method of FIG. That's what I understand.

At step 810, it is determined whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 or not. For example, the controller 120 determines whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and/or whether the binding members 181, 271 and 272 operate. is inserted into the cradle 2 or not.

If the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 820; if the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2, the process proceeds to step 830;

At step 820, the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted. For example, the controller 220 determines whether the terminals 170 and 260 of the holder 1 and the cradle 2 are connected to each other and/or whether the binding members 182, 273 and 274 operate. is tilted or not.

Although it has been described that the cradle 2 determines whether the holder 1 is tilted at step 820, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, whether or not the holder 1 is tilted is also determined by the controller 120 of the holder 1 .

If holder 1 is tilted, proceed to step 840; if holder 1 is not tilted (ie, holder 1 is fully inserted into cradle 2), proceed to step 870;

In step 830, the holder 1 determines whether the usage conditions of the holder 1 are satisfied. For example, the control unit 120 checks whether the remaining amount of the battery 110 and other components of the holder 1 can operate normally, thereby determining whether the usage conditions are satisfied. can judge.

If the conditions for using Holder 1 are satisfied, proceed to step 840; otherwise, terminate the procedure.

At step 840, Holder 1 informs the user that it is ready for use. For example, the control unit 120 can output an image indicating that the display of the holder 1 is available, control the motor of the holder 1, and generate a vibration signal.

At step 850, the heater 130 is heated. As an example, when the holder 1 is separated from the cradle 2 , the power of the battery 110 of the holder 1 also heats the heater 130 . As another example, when the holder 1 is tilted, the power of the battery 210 of the cradle 2 also heats the heater 130 .

The control unit 120 of the holder 1 or the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 checks the temperature of the heater 130 in real time and adjusts the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 and the time during which the power is supplied to the heater 130. can be done. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 can check the temperature of the heater 130 in real time through a temperature sensing sensor included in the holder 1 or an electrically conductive track of the heater 130 .

At step 860, holder 1 performs an aerosol generation mechanism. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 check the temperature of the heater 130, which changes as the user puffs, and adjust the amount of power supplied to the heater 130 or stop supplying power to the heater 130. be able to. In addition, the control unit 120, 220 can count the number of puffs of the user and output information indicating that the holder needs to be cleaned when a certain number of puffs (eg, 1,500 times) is reached. can be done.

At step 870 , the cradle 2 charges the holder 1 . For example, the controller 220 can charge the holder 1 by supplying power from the battery 210 of the cradle 2 to the battery 110 of the holder 1 .

On the other hand, the controllers 120 and 220 can also stop the operation of the holder 1 according to the number of puffs by the user or the operating time of the holder 1 . An example in which the control units 120 and 220 stop the operation of the holder 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 16 .

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining another example of how the holder operates.

The method of generating an aerosol illustrated in FIG. 16 consists of stages processed in chronological order in a holder 1 illustrated in FIG. 8 and a cradle 2 illustrated in FIG. Therefore, even if omitted below, what has been said above for the holder 1 shown in FIG. 8 or the cradle 2 shown in FIG. 10 also applies to the method of FIG. That's what I understand.

In step 910, the controller 120, 220 determines whether the user has puffed. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 can determine whether the user has puffed through the puff detection sensor included in the holder 1 .

At step 920, an aerosol is generated by the user's puff. As described with reference to FIG. 15, the controllers 120 and 220 can adjust the power supplied to the heater 130 according to the user's puff and the temperature of the heater 130 . Also, the control units 120 and 220 count the number of puffs of the user.

At step 930, the controller 120, 220 determines whether the number of puffs of the user is equal to or greater than the limited number of puffs. For example, assuming that the number of puffs is limited to 14, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the counted number of puffs is 14 or more.

On the other hand, when the user's number of puffs approaches the limit number of puffs (for example, when the user's number of puffs is 12), the controller 120 or 220 outputs a warning signal via the display or the vibration motor. can be done.

If the number of puffs of the user is greater than or equal to the puff limit, the process proceeds to step 950; if the number of puffs of the user is less than the puff limit, the process proceeds to step 940;

At step 940, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the operation time of the holder 1 is longer than the operation time limit. Here, the operation time of the holder 1 means the accumulated time from the start of the operation of the holder to the present. For example, assuming that the operation time limit is set to 10 minutes, the controllers 120 and 220 determine whether the holder 1 has been operating for 10 minutes or more.

On the other hand, when the operating time of the holder 1 approaches the operating time limit (for example, when the holder 1 operates for 8 minutes), the control units 120 and 220 output a warning signal via the display or the vibration motor. be able to.

If the holder 1 has been operating for more than the operating time limit, the process proceeds to step 950, and if the operating time of the holder 1 is less than the operating time limit, the process proceeds to step 920.

In step 950, the controllers 120 and 220 forcibly terminate the operation of the holder. In other words, the controller 120, 220 deactivates the holder's aerosol generating mechanism. For example, the controllers 120 and 220 can forcibly terminate the operation of the holder by cutting off the power supplied to the heater 130 .

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an example of how the cradle operates.

The flow chart illustrated in FIG. 17 is composed of steps processed in chronological order in the cradle 2 illustrated in FIG. Therefore, it can be seen that what has been described above with respect to the cradle 2 illustrated in FIG. 10 also applies to the flow chart of FIG. 17, even if it is omitted below.

Although not shown in FIG. 17, the operation of the cradle 2 described below can also be performed regardless of whether the holder 1 is inserted into the cradle 2 or not.

At step 1010, the controller 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the button 240 has been pressed. If the button 240 is pressed, the process proceeds to step 1020, and if the button 240 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step 1030.

At step 1020, the cradle 2 displays the battery status. For example, the control unit 220 can output information about the current state (eg, remaining amount) of the battery 210 to the display 250 .

At step 1030, the control unit 220 of the cradle 2 determines whether the cable is connected to the cradle 2 or not. For example, the controller 220 determines whether a cable is connected to an interface (eg, USB port) included in the cradle 2 . If the cable is connected to cradle 2, proceed to step 1040; otherwise, terminate the procedure.

At step 1040, cradle 2 performs a charging operation. For example, cradle 2 utilizes power supplied via a connected cable to charge battery 210 .

A cigarette is inserted into the holder 1 as described with reference to FIG. The cigarette contains an aerosol-generating substance, and an aerosol is generated by the heated heater 130 .

Examples of cigarettes inserted into the holder 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20F.

FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating an example in which a cigarette is inserted into a holder.

Referring to FIG. 18, cigarette 3 is inserted into holder 1 through end 141 of case 140 . The heater 130 is positioned inside the cigarette 3 when the cigarette 3 is inserted. The heated heater 130 thus heats the aerosol-forming substance of the cigarette 3, thereby generating an aerosol.

Cigarette 3 resembles a typical combustible cigarette. For example, the cigarette 3 is divided into a first portion 310 containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion 320 containing a filter or the like. On the other hand, the cigarette 3 according to one embodiment may include an aerosol-generating substance in the second portion 320 . An aerosol-generating substance, for example made in the form of granules or capsules, is also inserted into the second portion 320 .

The entire first portion 310 is inserted inside the holder 1, and the second portion 320 is also exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion 310 and portions of the first portion 310 and the second portion 320 may be inserted into the holder 1 .

The user can inhale the aerosol with the second portion 320 in the mouth. The aerosol is then mixed with the outside air and delivered to the user's mouth. External air is also admitted (1110) through at least one hole formed in the surface of the cigarette 3, and at least one air passage formed in the holder 1, as illustrated in FIG. (1120). For example, the air passages formed in the holder 1 are made to be opened and closed by the user.

19A and 19B are configuration diagrams illustrating examples of cigarettes.

19A and 19B, cigarette 3 includes tobacco rod 310 , first filter segment 321 , cooling structure 322 and second filter segment 323 . First portion 310 described with reference to FIG. 18 includes tobacco rod 310 and second portion 320 includes first filter segment 321 , cooling structure 322 and second filter segment 323 .

19A and 19B, the cigarette 3 of FIG. 19B further includes a fourth wrapper 334 compared to the cigarette 3 of FIG. 19A.

However, the structure of the cigarette 3 illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B is merely an example, and some configurations may be omitted. For example, cigarette 3 may not include one or more of first filter segment 321 , cooling structure 322 and second filter segment 323 .

Tobacco rod 310 includes an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol. The length of tobacco rod 310 is also between about 7 mm and 15 mm, or preferably as high as about 12 mm. Also, the diameter of tobacco rod 310 is between 7 mm and 9 mm, or preferably about 7.9 mm. The length and diameter of tobacco rod 310 are not limited to the numerical ranges described above.

Tobacco rod 310 may also include other additive substances such as flavorants, humectants and/or acetate compounds. For example, the flavors include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascara, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, Lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon bark, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon bark, ylang ylang, zarubia, spearmint, ginger, coriander or coffee may be included. The humectant may also include glycerin or propylene glycol, and the like.

By way of example, tobacco rod 310 is also filled with cut tobacco. Here, the cut tobacco is also produced by finely pulverizing tobacco sheets.

In order to fill the narrow space of the tobacco rod 310 with a wide tobacco sheet, a process for easily folding the tobacco sheet is additionally required. Therefore, it is easier to fill the tobacco rod 310 with cut tobacco than it is to fill the tobacco rod 310 with tobacco sheets, making the process of producing the tobacco rod 310 more productive and efficient.

As another example, tobacco rod 310 may also be filled with a plurality of strips of tobacco sheets that have been shredded. For example, the tobacco rod 310 can be formed by combining a plurality of tobacco strands in the same direction (parallel) or randomly. A single tobacco strip may be manufactured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a horizontal length of 1 mm, a vertical length of 12 mm, and a thickness (height) of 0.1 mm, but is not limited thereto.

A tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco streaks generates a greater amount of aerosol than a tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco sheets. Assuming the same space is packed, the tobacco strands guarantee a larger surface area than the tobacco sheet. A large surface area means that the aerosol-forming material has a greater chance of coming into contact with the outside air. Therefore, when the tobacco rod 310 is loaded with tobacco streaks, more aerosol is generated than when loaded with tobacco sheets.

Further, when the cigarette 3 is separated from the holder 1, the tobacco rod 310 filled with tobacco fibers is separated more easily than that filled with tobacco sheets. Compared to the tobacco sheet, the tobacco streaks generate less frictional force in contact with the heater 130 . Therefore, when the tobacco rod 310 is filled with tobacco streaks, it is more easily separated from the holder 1 than when it is filled with tobacco sheets.

The tobacco sheet is also formed by grinding the tobacco material into a slurry form and then drying the slurry. For example, 15-30% aerosol-forming material is added to the slurry. Tobacco raw material may also be tobacco leaf cuts, tobacco stems, tobacco dust generated during tobacco processing, and/or primary side strips of tobacco leaf. The tobacco sheet may also contain other additives such as wood cellulose fibers.

The first filter segment 321 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first filter segment 321 may be in the form of a tube containing a cavity inside. The length of the first filter segment 321 is also about 7 mm to 15 mm, or preferably even about 7 mm. The length of the first filter segment 321 is preferably less than about 7 mm, but long enough not to impair the function of at least one cigarette element (eg, cooling element, capsule, acetate filter, etc.). The length of the first filter segment 321 is not limited to the numerical range described above. On the other hand, the length of the first filter segment 321 is expandable, and the length of the first filter segment 321 adjusts the overall length of the cigarette 3 .

The second filter segment 323 is also a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the second filter segment 323 can also be made of recessed filters that include cavities, but are not so limited. The length of the second filter segment 323 is also about 5mm to 15mm, or preferably even about 12mm. The length of the second filter segment 323 is not limited to the numerical range described above.

Second filter segment 323 may also include at least one capsule 324 . Here, the capsule 324 also has a structure in which a content liquid containing perfume is covered with a film. For example, capsule 324 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape. The diameter of capsule 324 may be 2 mm or more, or preferably between 2 and 4 mm.

The material forming the coating of capsule 324 is also starch and/or a gelling agent. For example, gellan gum and gelatin are used as gelling agents. Also, a gelling aid is further used as a material for forming the coating of the capsule 324 . Here, for example, calcium chloride is used as the gelling aid. A plasticizer is further used as a material for forming the coating of the capsule 324 . Here, glycerin and/or sorbitol are used as the plasticizer. Also, a coloring agent is further used as a material for forming the coating of the capsule 324 .

For example, menthol, essential oils of plants, and the like are used as fragrances contained in the liquid content of the capsule. Further, as a solvent for the perfume contained in the content liquid, for example, a heavy chain fatty acid triglyceride (heavy chain) is used. The content liquid may also contain other additives such as pigments, emulsifiers and thickeners.

Cooling structure 322 allows heater 130 to cool the aerosol produced by heating tobacco rod 310 . Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature. The length of the cooling structure 322 is also about 10mm to 20mm, or desirably as high as about 14mm. The length of cooling structure 322 is not limited to the numerical ranges described above.

For example, cooling structure 322 may also be made from polylactic acid. Cooling structures 322 are also fabricated in a variety of forms to increase the surface area per unit area (ie, the surface area in contact with the aerosol). Various examples of cooling structures 322 are described below with reference to FIGS. 20A-20F.

Tobacco rod 310 and first filter segment 321 are also wrapped by first wrapper 331 . For example, the first wrapper 331 is also made of an oil-resistant paper packaging material.

The cooling structure 322 and second filter segment 323 are also wrapped by a second wrapper 332 . The entire cigarette 3 is also rewrapped by the third wrapper 333 . For example, the second wrapper 332 and the third wrapper 333 are also made of general paper wrapping materials. Optionally, the second wrapper 332 is also oil resistant hard wrapper or PLA scented paper. Also, the second wrapper 332 may wrap the second filter segment 323 portion and additionally wrap the second filter segment 323 and the cooling structure 322 .

Referring to FIG. 19B, cigarette 3 may include fourth wrapper 334 . At least one of tobacco rod 310 and first filter segment 321 is also wrapped by fourth wrapper 334 . In other words, only tobacco rod 310 is also wrapped by fourth wrapper 334 , and tobacco rod 310 and first filter segment 321 are also wrapped by fourth wrapper 334 . For example, the fourth wrapper 334 is also made of paper wrapping material.

The fourth wrapper 334 is produced by applying (or coating) a predetermined substance to one surface or both surfaces of the paper packaging material. Here, an example of the predetermined substance is silicon, but it is not limited to this. Silicon has properties such as heat resistance that changes little with temperature, oxidation resistance that does not oxidize, resistance to various chemicals, water repellency, and electrical insulation. However, even if it is not silicon, it can be applied (or coated) to the fourth wrapper 334 without limitation as long as it has the above properties.

On the other hand, FIG. 19B illustrates the cigarette 3 as including both the first wrapper 331 and the fourth wrapper 334, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the cigarette 3 may include only one of the first wrapper 331 and the fourth wrapper 334 .

The fourth wrapper 334 can prevent the cigarette 3 from burning. For example, if tobacco rod 310 is heated by heater 130, cigarette 3 may be burned. Specifically, when the temperature rises above the ignition point of any one of the substances included in the tobacco rod 310, the cigarette 3 is burned. Even in such a case, the fourth trumpet 334 contains a non-combustible material, thereby preventing the cigarette 3 from burning.

In addition, the fourth wrapper 334 can prevent the holder 1 from being contaminated with substances produced by the cigarette 3 . The user's puff also creates a liquid substance within the cigarette 3 . For example, the aerosol produced by the cigarette 3 is cooled by the external air to produce a liquid substance (such as moisture). The fourth wrapper 334 wraps the tobacco rod 310 and/or the first filter segment 321 to prevent the liquid substance produced within the cigarette 3 from leaking out of the cigarette 3 . Therefore, the case 140 of the holder 1 and the like are prevented from being contaminated with the liquid substance produced by the cigarette 3 .

20A-20F are diagrams illustrating examples of cigarette cooling structures.

For example, the cooling structures illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20F are also made using fibers produced by pure polylactic acid (PLA).

As an example, when filling a film (sheet) to produce a film (sheet) of a cooling structure, the film (sheet) is torn by an external impact. In that case, the cooling structure's effectiveness in cooling the aerosol is reduced.

As another example, when manufacturing cooling structures such as by extrusion, additional steps such as cutting the structure reduce the efficiency of the process. Also, there is a limit to fabricating the cooling structure in a variety of shapes.

By fabricating (e.g., weaving) the cooling structure according to one embodiment using polylactic acid fibers, there is no risk that the cooling structure will be deformed or lose its function due to external impact. lower. In addition, cooling structures having various shapes can be manufactured by changing the method of combining the fibers.

Also, the use of fibers to create cooling structures increases the surface area in contact with the aerosol. Therefore, the aerosol cooling effect of the cooling structure is further enhanced.

Referring to FIG. 20A, the cooling structure 1310 is also made cylindrical and is also made such that at least one air passage 1311 is formed in the cross-section of the cooling structure 1310 .

Referring to FIG. 20B, the cooling structure 1320 is also made of a structure in which multiple fibers are woven together. At this time, the aerosol flows between the fibers and forms a vortex due to the shape of the cooling structure 1320 . The vortices that are formed increase the contact area of the aerosol on the cooling structure 1320 and increase the time that the aerosol stays within the cooling structure 1320 . Therefore, the heated aerosol is effectively cooled.

Referring to FIG. 20C, the cooling structure 1330 is also made in the form of a plurality of bundles 1331 assembled together.

Referring to FIG. 20D, the cooling structure 1340 is also filled with granules made from polylactic acid, cut tobacco or charcoal, respectively. The granules are also made from a mixture of polylactic acid, cut tobacco and charcoal. On the other hand, the granules may further contain elements other than polylactic acid, cut tobacco and/or charcoal, which can improve the cooling effect of the aerosol.

Referring to FIG. 20E, cooling structure 1350 may include first cross section 1351 and second cross section 1352 .

A first cross-section 1351 borders the first filter segment 321 and includes a void through which the aerosol enters. A second cross-section 1352 borders the second filter segment 323 and may include a void through which the aerosol is emitted. For example, first cross section 1351 and second cross section 1352 may include a single void that is the same diameter, but the diameter and number of voids included in first cross section 1351 and second cross section 1352 are limited thereto. not something.

Additionally, the cooling structure 1350 may include a third cross section 1353 including a plurality of gaps between the first cross section 1351 and the second cross section 1352 . For example, the diameters of the voids included in the third cross section 1353 are smaller than the diameters of the voids included in the first cross section 1351 and the second cross section 1352 . Also, the number of voids included in the third cross section 1353 is greater than the number of voids included in the first cross section 1351 and the second cross section 1352 .

Referring to FIG. 20F, cooling structure 1360 may include a first cross section 1361 bordering first filter segment 321 and a second cross section 1362 bordering second filter segment 323 . Cooling structure 1360 may also include one or more tubular elements 1363 . For example, tubular element 1363 can pass through first cross section 1361 and second cross section 1362 . Tubular element 1363 is also wrapped with a microporous wrapping material and filled with a filler material (eg granules as described with reference to Figure 20D) that can improve the cooling effect of the aerosol.

According to the foregoing, the holder can generate an aerosol by heating the cigarette. Also, aerosol can be generated with the holder independent or with the holder inserted into the cradle and tilted. In particular, when the holder is tilted, the heater is heated by the cradle's battery power.

The above method can be written as a computer-executable program, and can also be embodied in a general-purpose digital computer that operates the program using a computer-readable recording medium. The data structures used in the methods described above may also be recorded on computer readable recording media through various means. The computer-readable recording medium includes magnetic storage media (eg, ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), USB, floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), optically readable media (eg, CD- It includes recording media such as ROM (compact disc read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disc), etc.).

Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiments will understand that the present embodiments may be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics described above. Accordingly, the disclosed method should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive point of view. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences that come within the scope of equivalents thereof are to be construed as included in the present invention. be.

This embodiment also applies to heated cigarettes or heated aerosol generators and the like.

Claims (11)

a case having an opening into which a cigarette is inserted;
a container that is connected to the opening of the case, has a storage space that stores at least part of the cigarette, and moves inside the case together with the cigarette stored in the storage space;
a heater fixed inside the case such that a front end thereof is disposed in the housing space of the container and heats the cigarette when electricity is applied;
an elastic support portion that elastically supports the container in a direction toward the opening of the case;
the cigarette received in the receiving space and inserted into the front end of the heater is extractable from the container in an extracting direction away from the heater;
the container is movable between an initial position moved toward the opening of the case and a pressurized position pressed toward the elastic support of the cigarette;
A pressurizing force that pressurizes the cigarette in a direction opposite to the extracting direction of the cigarette acts on the cigarette accommodated in the accommodation space, and when the cigarette and the container move toward the pressurized position, the heater position is maintained and the contact surfaces of the cigarette and the heater are separated,
The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cigarette and the container are moved toward the initial position by the restoring force of the elastic support portion when the pressurizing force acting on the cigarette is released. The case further includes a guide space inside the case for guiding the container to move linearly, and the container is positioned in the guide space at both the initial position where the container moves and the pressurized position. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: 2. The aerosol generator of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a through hole through which the front end of the heater passes. The size of the through hole corresponds to the thickness of the front end of the heater, and the contact of the through hole with the heater during movement of the container causes the through hole to adhere to the surface of the heater. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the aerosol generating device scrapes out the substance. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, further comprising a coating layer comprising an abrasion resistant material on the surface of the front end of the heater. 3. The inner surface of the through hole is separated from the front end of the heater by forming the size of the through hole larger than the size of the front end of the heater. 4. The aerosol generator according to 3. The heater may further include a fixing part coupled to the rear end of the heater to fix the position of the heater with respect to the case, and the elastic support part may be disposed between the fixing part and the container. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1. The container further comprises an expansion part having an inner diameter expanded outward at one end,
The case is characterized by comprising an insertion portion that is inserted between an inner wall surface of the expanded portion of the container and an outer peripheral surface of the cigarette and that extends linearly along a moving direction of the container. 8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 7. The container further comprises support claws formed on a surface facing the fixed portion outside the expansion portion, and the elastic support portion is arranged between the support claws and the fixed portion. 9. An aerosol generating device according to claim 8. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a stopper disposed between said container and said case to provide a force opposing movement of said container. The case further includes an insertion portion coupled to the front end of the container, and an inner wall surface of the insertion portion continues to the storage space along an extension direction of the storage space of the container, thereby 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the wall and the containing space together surround the cigarette.

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